We are proud to announce that the James Charles 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon has earned 89 points from Wine Enthusiast.
This national recognition is an exciting achievement for James Charles Winery & Vineyard, but it also represents a much larger milestone for our winemaker, Justin Bogaty. With this latest score, Justin has now received an extraordinary 101 Wine Enthusiast ratings of 87 points or higher across the Bogaty Family Wine Group.
For our family, our team and everyone who believes in the future of Virginia wine, this is a moment worth celebrating.
Why an 89-Point Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon Matters
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most recognized wine grapes in the world. It is most commonly associated with celebrated regions such as Napa Valley, Bordeaux and Washington State.
Growing Cabernet Sauvignon in Virginia, however, presents a different set of challenges. The grape requires careful vineyard management, patience throughout the growing season and thoughtful decisions in the cellar.
That makes an 89-point rating for a stand-alone Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon particularly meaningful. This is not a red blend in which Cabernet Sauvignon plays a supporting role. The wine stands on its own and expresses both the classic qualities of the grape and the distinct character of Virginia.
According to Virginia Wine’s guide to Cabernet Sauvignon, Virginia examples generally display more elegance and restraint than many of their California counterparts. The wines can range from light and approachable to structured and age-worthy, with flavors of black currant, black cherry and blackberry supported by notes of tobacco, violet, vanilla and spice.
The James Charles 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent example of that Virginia style.
National Recognition Based on What Is in the Glass
Wine Enthusiast conducts its wine reviews through a blind-tasting process. Reviewers cannot see the bottle labels or producer names while evaluating the wines.
According to Wine Enthusiast’s official tasting-process guidelines, blind tasting helps remove opportunities for bias and allows each wine to be judged fairly based on its quality, structure and character.
That means this 89-point score was earned by what the reviewer experienced in the glass—not by the winery’s name, the bottle design or its $32 price.
For a family-owned Virginia winery, that makes the recognition even more rewarding.
Justin Bogaty Reaches 101 Ratings of 87 Points or Higher
The new score also marks an extraordinary achievement for winemaker Justin Bogaty.
The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon becomes his 101st Wine Enthusiast rating of 87 points or higher across the Bogaty Family Wine Group, which includes James Charles Winery & Vineyard, Veramar Vineyard and Bogati Winery.
That milestone reflects years of work in the vineyard and cellar, as well as a commitment to producing wines that represent Virginia with consistency and integrity.
“This rating is a proud moment for our family and our winemaking team,” said Bogaty. “Cabernet Sauvignon can be a challenging grape in Virginia, so seeing this wine recognized on a national level means a great deal. Reaching 101 Wine Enthusiast ratings of 87 points or higher is also a reflection of the dedication and hard work that have gone into our wines over the years.”
Building on the Success of the Previous Vintage
This is not the first time James Charles Cabernet Sauvignon has received national recognition.
The James Charles 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon earned 87 points from Wine Enthusiast. The published review highlighted its vibrant red fruit, elevated acidity, expansive tannins and notes of tobacco, spice and rose petal.
The newly released 2023 vintage has now raised that score to 89 points, continuing the growth and development of Cabernet Sauvignon at James Charles Winery.
Moving from 87 points for the 2022 vintage to 89 points for the 2023 vintage is an encouraging sign of the quality and potential of this wine.
A Cabernet Sauvignon Made for the Dinner Table
The 2023 James Charles Cabernet Sauvignon delivers the structure and dark-fruit character people expect from the variety, while maintaining the balance and freshness that make Virginia wine distinctive.
Many Cabernet Sauvignons from warmer regions are known for very ripe fruit, heavier body, higher alcohol and powerful tannins. Those wines can be impressive, but they often require equally rich foods.
Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon can offer a more restrained and versatile style. Its freshness helps the wine complement a meal rather than overpower it.
Our 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is structured without being overly heavy. Its balanced tannins and acidity make it an especially food-friendly wine.
Try it with:
- Grilled steak or burgers
- Roasted beef, pork or lamb
- Wild mushrooms or mushroom risotto
- Pasta with a rich tomato or meat sauce
- Aged cheddar, Gruyère or other firm cheeses
- A favorite weeknight dinner
It has enough depth for a special occasion while remaining approachable enough to open with a casual meal at home.
Come Taste This Award-Winning Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon
The James Charles 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is now available for $32 per bottle at James Charles Winery & Vineyard.
We invite you to visit the winery, taste this nationally recognized Cabernet Sauvignon and help us celebrate an important achievement for our family, our winemaking team and Virginia wine.
James Charles 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
89 Points — Wine Enthusiast
$32 per bottle
Come discover what Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon can be.
